Dental Sealants

The purpose of a dental sealant is to create a protective barrier on your teeth to help prevent decay. Since back molars tend to have grooves that are difficult to clean, sealants can be used to help safeguard them from cavities.

Whether you are a child who has never had a cavity or an adult who is constantly going to the dentist, Lasting Impressions can determine if you are a good candidate for dental sealants.

What is a dental sealant?

Dental sealants are a preventative measure for dental care in children. Sealants are thin layers of resin that are placed on the pits, fissures, and grooves of molars to prevent decay on these surfaces.

The permanent (or adult) molars erupt between the ages of six and nine years old. Generally, the most common places for cavities to form are on the occlusal (or biting) surface of these teeth in the pits and fissures. Cavities can begin to form in these areas as soon as eruption has occurred, dependent on the oral hygiene of the child. Sealing these surfaces with composite resins prevents this kind of decay.

Sealants are one of the most effective preventative treatment measures a child can take. While there is still the possibility of a cavity forming under or around a sealant, placement of a sealant on the adult molar teeth as they are fully erupted can significantly reduce the chances of that tooth having a cavity.

Sealants are usually placed as soon as the adult molars (back teeth) are fully erupted. The appointment is very simply as the resin material is simply brushed or painted into the grooves of the teeth and cured using a UV curing light, the same light use to cure all composite resin fillings. The appointments usually take no more than 30 minutes when placing sealants.

Why should I get dental sealants?

Prevention is the best type of treatment. Dental sealants prevent food and bacteria from getting into the little nooks and crannies of your teeth.

The back molars are particularly susceptible to decay since they tend to be rougher with more grooves and dips for breaking food down. These grooves and crevices can be very difficult to clean.

Children with teeth that have no decay are great candidates for dental sealants. Adults may also have sealants applied to teeth that are free of decay.

We’ve applied sealants to many patients from Carmel, Indianapolis, Westfield, Zionsville, and surrounding areas. We know just what to look for to determine if sealants are a good idea for you.

How do I take care of dental sealants?

After you have had dental sealants applied you should continue with good oral care.

Regular Checkups

Regular checkups are very important so the dentist can make sure the sealants are holding up properly. The dentist will check the dental sealants during every visit to determine if they need to be reapplied.

Oral Hygiene

According to the ADA, even though your dental sealants are providing your teeth with some more protection, you still need to brush your teeth for two minutes two times a day. The ADA further suggests that you floss once a day to help remove sticky plaque and bacteria that can lead to tooth decay between your teeth.

Give us a call at (317) 571-9610 to hear more about how dental sealants can protect your teeth.

When you’re ready to come in for a visit, you’ll find that Lasting Impressions is easy to get to in Carmel, IN.